Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic Top 25: The Nos. 16-20 best players in Orlando Magic history

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Orlando's Steve Francis drives the lane during the second half of the Orlando Magic's 89-81 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers at the TD Waterhouse Centre in Orlando, Florida, Sunday, January 29, 2006. (Photo by Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel/MCT via Getty Images)
Orlando's Steve Francis drives the lane during the second half of the Orlando Magic's 89-81 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers at the TD Waterhouse Centre in Orlando, Florida, Sunday, January 29, 2006. (Photo by Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel/MCT via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
J.J. Redick, Orlando Magic
January 27, 2013; Orlando FL, USA; Orlando Magic shooting guard J.J. Redick (7) dribbles the ball against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Amway Center. Detroit Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic 104-102. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

18. J.J. Redick (2007-13)

High/Low: 13/22

By Ryan Doyle

My favorite Orlando Magic player of all-time is J.J. Redick. I was a big Duke fan growing up as a young kid — I loved the villain.

Redick just had the swagger and confidence on the court that makes you love him or hate him.

J.J. Redick is one of the most interesting stories in Orlando Magic history.

Redick was one of America’s biggest sports villains coming out of Duke. He was cocky on the court, and he would back up his play by hitting a 3-pointer right in a defender’s face.

Then of course he would follow that by taunting the crowd.

The Magic drafted him at No. 11 in the 2006 Draft. Redick was expected to make a contribution as an outside scorer.

More from All-Time Lists

As his career began, Redick was quickly humbled. He saw limited minutes on the floor and it affected his development. His jump shot was there, but he was just a defensive liability and did not appear ready to be the star that some wanted him to be.

Some players at that point, sputter out of the league and jump from team to team. Redick did the opposite. He stayed in Orlando and improved his game. He became a key role player on the 2009 team that made it to the Finals. He improved on the defensive end, continued to shoot and became a really good player. Redick still credits Stan Van Gundy for saving his career as he fit in and improved enough defensively to gain the notably difficult coach’s trust.

It looked like Redick could be the sixth or seventh man on the Magic for a long time.

Sadly, with the team in rebuild mode, Redick was shipped off to Milwaukee during his best year with the team. Redick ranks in the top-10 in virtually every Orlando Magic shooting category as well as 10th in games played. Redick showed tremendous growth with Orlando and became a fan favorite, even those that could not stand him back in college eventually came around.